Manchester United fans are pinning their hopes on the prospect of Manuel Ugarte taking Casemiro’s place in the 11 and, in turn, revitalising the defensive midfield role.
The 23-year-old was unveiled to fans ahead of kick-off vs Liverpool at Old Trafford yesterday in a similar fashion to how Raphael Varane and Casemiro were revealed to supporters.
This was because United had failed to register Ugarte in time to feature in the clash – not that he’d have played a prominent role anyway, given his lack of pre-season.
Still, with Casemro now seemingly set to oversee another season on the decline, there’s a lot more riding on Ugarte being a success than he was presumably made aware of.
As such, it’s thought the Uruguayan will partner Kobbie Mainoo in the Premier League when club action resumes following the international break, with the five-time Champions League winner likely to take more of a back seat until his £350,000-a-weeek contract expires.
Often one of his former side’s harshest critics, Paul Scholes has detailed the concerns he’s harbouring over Ugarte being a complete resolution to United’s deep-rooted troubles.
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Scholes divulges Ugarte concerns
“He’s going to have to be some player. I think he will play the position well. He’s still 23, he’s had a few clubs which slightly concerns you,” Scholes said of the Reds’ fifth and final summer signing, via the Metro.
“But he does play the position well. I don’t think he’ll vacate that area as much as we’ve seen; a bit more discipline, he’ll plug the gaps, I hope, that’s going to be his role. I don’t think he’s going to be the greatest of playmakers – I don’t think you’re looking at a Toni Kroos.
“He [Ten Hag] needs discipline in there, he’s obviously seen that already. Casemiro, okay, not great legs. I don’t think Mainoo, as an athlete, is that great. He relies more on his manipulation of the ball and his quality on the ball.
“Ugarte has got to be everything. He’s going to have to be some player to make this team better. It’s a big job on his hands, and I just can’t see it.”